Work on a popular county route from Bath to southern municipalities is expected to begin February 4th with the scheduled replacement of the County Route 22 bridge over the Canisteo River in the Town of Cameron. Work is expected to be completed by November. The cost of the new $2.3 million, 207-foot bridge will be absorbed through 95 percent federal funding and 5 percent county funding. The bridge is part of a common route for travelers between Bath and Hedgesville, Jasper, Woodhull, and Addison, and it sees some 540 vehicles daily. County Public Works Commissioner Vince Spagnoletti said given the high cost of a temporary bridge, detours will be set up for emergency vehicles, cars, and trucks. Emergency responders have already been advised of a 5-mile detour on County Route 110 effective February 4th. Other detours will be clearly marked: CR 110 and CR 80 for cars, and CR 119 to Rathbone, CR 21, and CR 80 back to CR 2 for trucks.

Arkport Man Charged with DWI in Fremont Crash:

An Arkport man is facing a driving while intoxicated charge following a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Fremont. According to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area of County Route 46 in response to a report of a one car accident with personal injury. It’s alleged that 33-year-old Chad Bogardus drove the vehicle while intoxicated and lost control, causing the vehicle to roll over. A passenger in the vehicle was injured. Bogardus was additionally charged with failure to yield half the roadway and imprudent speed. Both Bogardus and the passenger were transported for medical treatment. Bogardus was released on traffic summons.

Warrant Arrests:

The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of two people on warrants. On January 6th, 39-year-old Vincent Beam of Hornell was taken in on a warrant issued by the Steuben County Family Court for alleged failure to pay child support. Beam was arraigned and sent to the Steuben County Jail without bail. On January 13th, 30-year-old Kevin Hyde of Seminole, Florida was arrested on a warrant issued for alleged violation of probation. Hyde was arraigned and sent to the county jail without bail.

Gov. Shutdown Prompts Early Issuing of Feb. SNAP Benefits:

Most recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive their full February benefits early, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has announced. That’s due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Current SNAP recipients could receive next month’s benefits as early as January 17th. It’s important for recipients to note that is not an “extra” or “bonus” benefit, and no second benefit will be issued for the month of February, so recipients should budget accordingly. For those who do not receive their February benefits early, they will be received on February 1st.

AP Reports Sen. Gillibrand Likely to Announce 2020 Bid This Week:

The Associated Press reports that Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is likely to announce a 2020 presidential campaign this week. That comes from several sources reportedly familiar with her plans. Representatives for the senator didn’t comment Monday. Gillibrand will be a guest tonight on CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and she’s expected to travel to leadoff caucus state, Iowa, this weekend.

NYS Senate Passes Early Voting Bill:

New York State is one step closer to early voting. The state Senate and Assembly have both passed a bill that would allow voters to cast a ballot up to 10 days before an election. Many states already allow early voting, but the proposal has long been stalled in New York. The bill now moves to Governor Andrew Cuomo for his signature. As a supporter of the idea, Cuomo is expected to approve it.

Hammondsport B.O.E. Meeting:

The Hammondsport Central School District will hold its regular meeting of the Board of Education Wednesday. It will be at 6 p.m. in the high school library.